National Coast Guard Museum Newsletter (Spring 2024)

SPRING 2024
WHAT’S INSIDE:
Bob Vicente’s Matching Gift
Challenge
Party Time: a new rendering of
the Museum’s event space
Commissioning Round Up:
USCGC Melvin Bell and the
USCGC Calhoun
2024 Challenge Coin:
celebrating the 210s
STORIES
THAT
MATTER
SPRING 2024
PAGE 1

FROM OUR PRESIDENT
As we are fast approaching the midway point of 2024, I’m pleased to
provide you with fantastic news on the progress we are making in building
and funding the National Coast Guard Museum. With a targeted opening
in Spring 2026, we are now in a critical phase of timeline management
to ensure all parts of this project coalesce on time and on budget. Let me
break it down into a few significant areas of progress.
1. Funding – The Museum would not be possible without the incredible
support of the state of Connecticut, federal government, and our private
donors. We continue to work with our federal delegation, as well as
state and local officials, to ensure we are fiscally responsible with the
funding they have provided us to date. To that end, we are on track
to achieve our capital campaign goal of $150 million, of which $50
million is from private donors. As we are on final approach this year
to achieve this first milestone goal, we have secured record gifts in the
first quarter of 2024, and we continue to be well positioned to keep
this project on track and full steam ahead.
2. Construction – As of April 2024, we have completed the first two
phases of construction, which allowed us to create a buildable plot
and the foundation for construction of the museum on the waterfront of
New London. We have also bid out 80% of the project to construct the
Museum and expect to award this work in Summer 2024. As we look
to the Fall, we expect to see steel coming out of the ground and will bid
out the remaining interior finishing work for the Museum.
3. Exhibits – As the Association is keenly focused on the funding and
construction of the Museum, we are in close collaboration with
our partners at the USCG, who are finalizing the exhibits. Their
design planning is close to complete, and they are working on their
construction contract. From immersive experiences to poignant displays,
this Museum will inspire visitors and honor those who have served.
While our progress is incredible, our work is not done. I urge all of you to
continue to support this project, spread the word, activate ambassadors,
and remember that every donor matters. Every gift matters. We remain
incredibly humbled and honored to work with all of you.
CAPT Wes Pulver, USCG (Ret.)
President
National Coast Guard Museum Association
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

MATCHING
CHALLENGE
Bob Vicente, a Coast Guard Academy
graduate with a degree in electrical
engineering, served on the Coast Guard
cutters Steadfast, Key Largo, and Baranof
from 1986 to 1999. The photo to the left is
Bob as a young junior offi cer on the bridge
of USCGC Steadfast (WMEC 623) in 1988.
Bob was commanding offi cer of the Baranof
(shown above). During his service, Bob was
awarded a Meritorious Service Medal, two
Commendation Medals, an Achievement
Medal, and a Commandant’s Letter of
Commendation for exceptional leadership
and outstanding judgment and performance.
GIVING MATTERS
We are on final approach to reach our
Capital Campaign goal of $150
million, of which $50 million is from
private donations, and we would not be able
to do this work without incredible donors like
you. Throughout this campaign, our donors and
volunteers have been generous, supportive, and
innovative in their support to build and fund the
National Coast Guard Museum.
Earlier this year, Bob Vicente, a Coast Guard
veteran and member of our capital campaign
committee, decided to triple his impact on the
project. In addition to making a second personal
gift to the museum, he also challenged his
personal network to match him dollar-for-dollar.
Over the ensuing weeks, Vicente’s friends,
family, and colleagues donated a cumulative
$50,000 to complete his challenge.
“Bob’s dedication to seeing this project through
is representative of so many of our volunteers,
donors, and supporters. Philanthropy breeds
philanthropy, and we are incredibly grateful
that Bob was able to inspire so many others to
support this unique and meaningful project,”
adds Craig Schroeder, director of development
for the National Coast Guard Museum
Association.
Not only are we incredibly appreciative of Bob
Vicente and his passion for this project, we are
also thankful for all our donors and volunteers.
Every gift moves us closer to bringing a National
Coast Guard Museum to you and the nation.
SPRING 2024
PAGE 3

DECK 5
EVENTS CENTER & MEMORIAL TERRACE
PAGE 4
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

PARTY TIME
Yes, we will absolutely be ready to celebrate the opening of the National Coast Guard
Museum in 2026. In addition to hosting Coast Guard conferences and events, you
will also be able to rent the event space for your own celebrations. From retirements
and promotion ceremonies to weddings and anniversary parties, this space is going to be
an iconic location for our entire community.
With stunning views of the Thames River, access to an outdoor memorial terrace, as
well as catering, and built-in state-of-the-art technology, this event space will be able to
accommodate groups of all sizes. It’s one more way the National Coast Guard Museum
will prove itself to be more than a museum, a special place for the entire workforce, and a
cornerstone of the New London community.
Event bookings will launch in 2025. Stay tuned for details.
SPRING 2024
PAGE 5

COMMISSIONING
ROUND UP
Commissioning of
USCGC Melvin Bell
Sue Curtin, chair of the National Coast Guard
Museum Association, had the honor to serve as
the commissioning chair for the Coast Guard
Cutter Melvin Bell (WPC-1155) on March 25,
2024, in New London, Connecticut.
“Thinking about this event, I refl ected on the
truly awe-inspiring career and well-lived life
of Melvin Bell. His story is extraordinary—and
it’s a story that needs to be told. As chair of our
National Coast Guard Museum Association, I
work with a dedicated team whose passion is
to preserve, honor, and celebrate the history
and impact of our Service on a national level.
And it’s stories like those of MCPO Bell who
inspire us to do what we do,” notes Curtin.
The Coast Guard’s newest Sentinel-class
Fast Response Cutter (FRC) will be the latest
FRC homeported in Boston. It is designed for
multiple missions, including drug and migrant
interdiction; port, waterway, and coastal
security; fishery patrol; search and rescue; and
national defense.
All Coast Guard Fast Response Cutters are
named after an enlisted Coast Guard hero
who distinguished themselves in the line of
duty. Melvin Kealoha Bell was a master chief
electronics technician and served in the Coast
Guard from November 1938 to December
1958. ETCM Melvin Bell distinguished himself
during World War II by transmitting the fi rst
warning messages to military installations in
Pearl Harbor on the morning of December
7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked. He
continued to prove instrumental throughout the
war as he helped break enemy codes leading
to numerous victories, including the Battle of
Midway and in an operation to break up a
Nazi espionage network in New York City.
ETCM Bell became the first Pacific Islander to
achieve the rank of chief petty officer and the
first master chief electronics technician and first
master chief petty officer of color.
USCGC Melvin Bell commissioning
ETCM Melvin Kealoha Bell
Top left: ETCM Melvin Kealoha Bell
Middle left: The USCGC Melvin Bell at the Coast
Guard Academy commissioning site on March
28, 2024.
Bottom left: Chair of the National Coast Guard
Museum Association Sue Curtin delivers a
speech at the commissioning.
Top right: Charles Calhoun, fi rst Master Chief
Petty Offi cer of the Coast Guard
Bottom right: Christina Calhoun Zubowicz
christens USCGC Calhoun in 2022. Zubowicz,
serves as sponsor for the ship, which is named
after her grandfather, Master Chief Charles L.
Calhoun. The commisioning ceremony took place
April 20, 2024.
Opposite page: MCPOCGs #3, 6, 7, 8, 10, &
13 share a message during the commissioning
ceremony for the USCGC Calhoun. The ceremony
was held on April 20, 2024, which is also
Calhoun’s birthday.
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

USCGC Melvin Bell commissioning
USCGC Calhoun christening
MCPOCG Charles Calhoun
Commissioning of
USCGC Calhoun
The Coast Guard officially welcomed its 10th
Legend-class National Security Cutter, USCGC
Calhoun (WMSL 759), in a commissioning
ceremony April 20, 2024, in Charleston, South
Carolina. This 418-foot cutter, homeported in
Charleston is named after Master Chief Charles
Calhoun, the first master chief petty officer of the
Coast Guard.
Born on April 20, 1925, Calhoun enlisted in
the U.S. Navy during World War II and was
honorably discharged on February 21, 1946,
as a torpedoman second class. Later that
year he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard as a
boatswains mate second class and reported to
his first assignment at Station Ocean City.
Calhoun became the First Master Chief Petty
Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG) in 1969
and served until his retirement after 30 years of
active military service in 1973. During his tenure
as MCPOCG, he undertook numerous projects,
including the establishment of the cutterman
insignia, which formally recognized sea duty
assignments for Coast Guard personnel. He
implemented the Coast Guard senior enlisted
advisors’ program which brought issues and
concerns of the enlisted workforce to the senior
leadership of the Coast Guard. He championed
the creation and implementation of the Coast
Guard uniform, which provided a clear
distinction of the Service, changing the culture
and eliminating the wearing of the U.S. Navy
uniform, which had been the required uniform
since 1914.
Retired MCPOCG Vince Patton, board member
for the National Coast Guard Museum
Association, had the honor to serve as the
commissioning chair for the USCGC Calhoun
earlier this spring. Considering Calhoun a
personal friend and mentor, MCPOCG Patton
was incredibly moved by the ceremony and the
honor for Calhoun.
“For me, this is both a cherished and
emotional moment for a couple of reasons;
my role as chairman of the commissioning
committee, and as one of Master Chief
Charles Calhoun’s “sea kids” he had
accumulated over the years through his
mentoring and offered sage advice to
many. It was in my second week in boot
camp, where after admiring a portrait of
him that was larger than life, I imagined that
someday to walk in his footsteps. Many
years later and after meeting him personally
SPRING 2024
PAGE 7

continued from previous page
and following his advice which the ship’s
motto has adopted, ‘Never Give Up,’ my
dream became a reality.
USCGC Calhoun commissioning
Calhoun’s military awards include the Legion
of Merit, Combat Action Ribbon w/1 Bronze
Star, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit
Commendation, Coast Guard Good Conduct
Medal w/1 Silver Star, American Campaign
Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/4
Bronze Stars, World War II Victory Medal,
Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense
Service Medal w/1 Bronze Star, Vietnam
Service Medal w/3 Bronze Stars, Philippine
Republic Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine
Liberation Ribbon w/1 Bronze Star, Republic
of Vietnam Gallantry Cross With Palm Unit
Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign
Medal. In 1947 he was awarded the Coast
Guard Commandant’s Letter of Commendation
for saving the life of a drowning man during his
assignment at Ocean City.
DEDICATED PLANKOWNER
SUPPORTERS
The monthly National Coast Guard Museum
Association’s plankowner program has been
instrumental in providing a steady revenue
stream to support the mission to build a National
Coast Guard Museum. With more than 2,600
active plankowners, the program has provided
a gateway for ardent museum supporters to
support the museum at an accessible level.
“Our plankowners are the foundation of
our ongoing funding model. We have some
plankowners who have been supporting us
with a monthly gift since the program’s inception.
This passionate and dedicated group of donors
have collectively given nearly $2 million, and
we could not be more thankful for their support,”
explains Catherine Janney, director of annual
giving.
Challenge coins have been introduced
throughout the plankowner program to
encourage current donors to increase their
support and bring new plankowners into the
program. “The plankowner program is designed
to provide support through the official opening
of the museum and beyond. Our opening is
getting closer, and we are thrilled to offer our
fourth challenge coin in this program,” adds
Janney.
For more information about challenge coins, becoming a new plankowner, or how to upgrade your
current plankowner gift, please visit cgmuseumassociation.org/plankowner
or call 860-443-4200.
PAGE 8
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

2024 CHALLENGE COIN
JOIN.
UPGRADE.
SUPPORT.
Honor the 210’ Reliance-Class cutters, a venerable platform
for the modern U.S. Coast Guard’s fleet, which is celebrating
60 years of service. To get your coin, become a plankowner
or upgrade your current plankowner gift ($5 per month
minimum) before September 30, 2024. For more information,
please visit:
www.cgmuseumassociation.org/plankowner
SPRING 2024
PAGE 9

DECK 5
STEM
HELICOPTER
MISSION
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND
MATHEMATICS SIMULATION CENTER
THE HELICOPTER SIMULATOR WILL
FOCUS ON RESPONDING TO A VESSEL IN
DISTRESS WITH A SEARCH AND RESCUE
COMPONENT THAT WILL EMPLOY
SEVERAL STEM PRINCIPALS.
PAGE 10
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

The sky is getting darker as storm clouds roll
in. The wind howls louder as streaks of lightning
dart through the clouds while thunder rumbles.
Ocean swells increase as the sea angrily churns.
Suddenly a vessel-in-distress call pierces the radio air
waves to the closest Coast Guard unit signaling a dire
and desperate need for help. What do you do? How
will you triage the call? Lives are at stake, depending
on you to render immediate assistance.
The above scenario is very similar to what visitors of
the National Coast Guard Museum will encounter
when they experience the helicopter search and rescue
mission in the Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM) Simulation Center.
“The helicopter mission, which is one of three missions
in the STEM Center, is part of the larger STEM
experience,” said Kyle Bernard, the NCGM director
of programs and exhibits. “The helicopter simulator will
focus on responding to a vessel in distress with a search
and rescue component that will employ several STEM
principals.”
The mission is modeled after a real-life scenario that a
Coast Guard service member could experience at any
given time, but it is not a re-creation of a particular case.
Kyle and his team consulted with Coast Guard air station
pilots and crews from across the U.S. and scoured the
archives of Coast Guard footage of east and west coast
rescues to get a sense of how this particular mission
experience should come together.
“It really is taking little pieces of a lot of different stories
and creating a unique scenario for museum visitors,”
Kyle said.
It’s important for museum visitors to have all their senses
involved in the experience, and the helicopter mission
allows just that. Touch screens, two cockpit stations—one
for the pilot and one for the co-pilot, a hoisting station,
medical station and an audio-visual element simulating
the helicopter in flight, both arriving on scene and
returning, will provide a fully immersive experience.
As the finishing touches were being put on the helicopter
mission, the team was sure to take into account the
emotions the mission could evoke, especially from
veterans or survivors who have experienced similar
events.
Kyle continued, “The intended audience is 10 to
18-year-olds. Families can certainly go through it since
there is nothing too graphic in the experience. We’ve
designed the experience with stress sensitivities in mind
in order to be mindful of our audience. It really is the
utilization of STEM skills and how those skills are applied
to real-world Coast Guard missions.”
SPRING 2024
PAGE 11

BRICK
BY BRICK
PAVING THE WAY FOR THE
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM
Thank you to all those who have purchased a commemorative paver to support the building
of the National Coast Guard Museum. The pavers will become a living memorial embedded
in the Argus Promenade entrance to the Museum, honoring loved ones and cherished
memories. The National Coast Guard Museum Association has been overwhelmed by
the stories you shared at the time of paver purchases. We hope you enjoy these as much
as we do. Together we are making, preserving, and honoring history.
A Thankful Boater
As an active boater, I am acutely aware and unwaveringly appreciative of
the invaluable service provided by the U.S. Coast Guard. I have been lucky
to have three good sailing friends who served honorably with the USCG and
have a true love of the water. I am so happy to see that we as a country have
finally found a place to honor their service as well as that of all their fellow
service men and women. This photo is of Jim and Jeff on our two-day delivery
to Newport! Sailing with these two fine gentlemen and USCG veterans is an
honor. Thank you!
—Jeffrey Sahrbeck
Destiny
On a cold January day in 1974, I embarked upon a journey destined to become the cornerstone of
my life. Throughout my 20-year career, I embraced the Coast Guard’s tradition of honor, duty, and
respect. Those ideals continue to guide me today. My decision to purchase a paver and contribute
to the establishment of the National Coast Guard Museum was made as an expression of gratitude.
Though our numbers may be small, our dedication to the ideals of this great country is vast. Whether
it be in war or peace, the commitment of the men and women who donned the uniform was, and
remains, unwavering. It is my sincere hope all who visit the national museum learn of the Coast
Guard’s everlasting contribution to this nation.They will surely walk away and understand the true
meaning of our motto, “Semper Paratus.”
—Joseph Lombardo
A Family Legacy
My story starts with my enlistment in 1979. My daughter decided to follow in
my footsteps when she saw how successful my career was. She applied for the
CSPI program and was accepted. One of my proudest moments was getting
to salute her upon graduating from OCS. The rest is history, hence “MY USCG
LEGACY”
—Robert Evelyn
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

The PSU 303 (b)
PSU 303(b) were 113 volunteers from 47 states who served together in
Desert Storm/Persian Gulf War. They perfected the port security tactics
used throughout the Coast Guard. The unit is a close-knit assembly of
shipmates who continue to meet at regulars reunions. We always remember
our shipmates who have since crossed the bar. God bless their memory
and their service to our great country.
—Martin Maher
Greatest Job in the World
I had the greatest job in the world as a Coast Guard Helo Pilot. It was fun, exciting, and
meaningful. There are not many careers where you get to have all three of those.
—Howard White
A Brother’s Tribute
In 2008, my older brother Joshua and I were stationed at Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii, together.
I was an AET3 and he was an AMT2. On Sept. 4, 2008, he was the duty flight mechanic on the HH-
65 and while they were conducting a training hoist to the 47-ft. vessel 47317, the hoist cable became
entangled and damaged the helicopter. The helicopter attempted to fly back to shore for an emergency
landing but crashed into the ocean with no survivors. This was a devastating event in my career, and
I do what I can to honor his memory. I have attended and spoke at numerous anniversary memorial
ceremonies. This brick is to ensure that his memory is a part of the National Coast Guard Museum.
—James Nichols
D-Day Veteran
I am buying this paver in memory of my grandfather Norman Prell. He served in the Coast Guard from
1940-1945 aboard the USS Samuel Chase during WWII. He was a member of the first graduating
class at Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, where he trained to be a Higgins boat driver. He drove these
boats in five major battles in WWII including the 4th wave at Normandy Beach on D-Day. He passed
away in December 2014 at the age of 93.
—Scott Prell
SPRING 2024
PAGE 13

From Sea to Sea
In 1876, my second great-grandfather, John Mahoney, joined the Royal Navy and later the British
Coastguard, which became the predecessor of the Irish Coast Guard.
Nearly 150 years later, I followed in my great-great-grandfather’s footsteps and joined the
U.S. Coast Guard as an Auxiliarist. I must keep my family’s military tradition alive so that future
generations can be inspired by the hard work we put into safeguarding our nation’s waterways.
—James O’Mahoney Berndt
For Pop Pop
I met my husband, Anthony Grande, when he was a cadet at the USCGA
in 1972. He graduated in 1976, and we were married at the CG Chapel
on June 18, 1977. We were married for almost 45 years when he passed
away in April 2022. The Coast Guard was a very important part of his life
even after he got out due to a medical issue. He was always very proud
of his Coast Guard background and would share his experiences with
everyone he met throughout life. I want to honor his memory by donating
to the museum so his grandkids could one day visit and see the museum
and learn about what their Pop Pop did when he was a young man. The
paver program was another way for me to keep his memory alive. It has
been such a healing and rewarding experience for me to be a part of the
National Coast Guard Museum project.
—Katherine Grande
My Pilot Daughter
I donated in support of my youngest daughter, Claudia McKnight. She
served 6 years in the U.S. Army and then 18 in the USCG. I’m very proud
of her service as a helicopter pilot and think the museum is long overdue!
—Joyce McKnight
More Than a Century of Service
My grandfather CDR Alvan H. Bixby graduated from The Coast Guard Academy, class of 1907. He
died in 1929 in Pascagoula, MS while being the officer in charge of the base there. His eldest daughter
joined the SPARS at the beginning of WWII. She retired from the reserves in about 1975. I am their
granddaughter/niece and retired from the USPHS in 2003.
—Katherine Davis
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

A
GREAT
GIFT FOR
NEW
RETIREES
SPRING 2024
PAGE 15

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our revamped website, loaded with informative
content on the development of the National Coast Guard Museum.
From there, you can explore a variety of enriching topics regarding the construction progress and development of the National
Coast Guard Museum. Get sneak peeks into exciting upcoming exhibits, galleries, and dynamic spaces, such as the 5-story atrium,
the memorial terrace, the Coast Guard theatre, and the Revenue Cutter Argus Promenade. You can learn more about our latest
fundraising campaigns and ways you can get involved. You have digital access to Stories That Matter, our quarterly Museum
newsletter; The Long Blue Line, a 100-page Coast Guard magazine; and multimedia content pertaining to both the Museum
and the Coast Guard. While you’re there, don’t forget to follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest news, events,
and exclusive donor opportunities. And be sure to check back often as we begin to offer the National Coast Guard Museum
membership program and Museum store.
www.cgmuseumassociation.org
info@coastguardmuseum.org
@USCGMuseum
@NCGMA
PAGE 16
cgmuseumpavers.org
@USCGMuseum
@NationalCGMuseumAssociation
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION